The Message of Spiritual Warfare

by Keith Ferdinando

What is spiritual warfare? In Scripture there are numerous references to the conflict of God's people with Satan and the "dominion of darkness," with the fallen world and with the continuing pull of the sinful nature. Satan, sin, and the world are all expressions of cosmic rebellion against the Creator and his will and purposes, and God himself addresses that opposition and brings it to nothing. The climactic act is the extraordinary victory of the cross, where through the death of his incarnate Son, God redeemed his people from sin and its penalty, and by that same act also liberated them from bondage to the world and the devil. Keith Ferdinando's valuable exposition of this key biblical theme of spiritual warfare explains the nature of Satan and his activity in the world God has made, the different dimensions of Christ's victory over Satan, how Christ's victory over Satan impacts God's people, and the various areas in which believers must fight sin and Satan. Additionally, Ferdinando offers clarity as to the "weapons" with which God equips his people to overcome the darkness. This valuable resource expounds on a range of Old and New Testament texts, helping pastors, teachers, and students to better understand spiritual warfare so that they may fight the good fight and finish the course with joy.

310 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2016

Reviews

[Adam Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on the topic in my opinion having read several this year. It is in the class BST style of each chapter being a sermon. Ferdinando's selection of passages relating to the relevant topics are helpful. On the thorny issue of believers being able to be inhabited by demons he recognizes that it is a difficult topic and ultimately leans toward it not being possible. The final chapter was a fitting conclusion and motivator! If you want to dive into the spiritual warfare topic, this is your reliable guide to start with.

[Ian Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superb series of studies on aspects of the spiritual warfare and battle in which Christians find themselves caught up. It follows the very helpful Bible Speaks Today format in that it is a series of sermons on relevant Bible passages around its theme. Each chapter is a careful exposition of Bible teaching that is very readable and thorough. There are no flights of fancy in the subjects he chooses - nothing about fighting territorial spirits, except to say that such teachings draw very little from the Bible, and no practical lessons on driving out demons, for example - rather it is all straightforward Bible subjects. Significantly, it begins with the power and sovereignty of God and ends with the ultimate victory of Christ and his people. Hugely encouraging!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really useful overview of the Bible's teaching on the spirit world. I've used it as I prepared for a talk on Halloween. It is Biblical, rather than cultural or anecdotal. It seeks to show clearly what Scripture says about God, satan, evil and the world.

It begins, helpfully, with the sovereignty of God over all things, moves on to discuss Satan in the Bible before looking in part 2 at how Jesus defeated him through his life, death and resurrection. Parts 3 &4 discuss the life of a Christian in spiritual warfare.

It ends wonderfully in Revelation, reminding readers that though the Christian life is one of warfare against sin and Satan it is a battle already won. And that God's people overcome Satan by:

"... the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelation 12:11